Exploring Love and Loneliness in Celine Song's 'Materialists'
A Modern Take on Love Triangles
Celine Song's film Materialists reimagines the traditional love triangle, reflecting the anxieties of a contemporary society fixated on wealth and connection. The narrative intertwines elements of dialogue-rich Hollywood dramas with the free-spirited essence of European art films, addressing a timeless inquiry: where can one truly find love?
The protagonist, Lucy (played by Dakota Johnson), is a matchmaker in New York City who prides herself on her knack for forging enduring relationships that meet all criteria. She has perfected the art of persuasive conversation akin to a successful sales representative. When Harry (Pedro Pascal), a private banker, observes her at a wedding turning guests into potential clients, he sees a reflection of himself.
Harry fulfills Lucy's primary requirement—he is affluent, a stark contrast to her previous partner, John (Chris Evans).
However, the nature of Lucy's contribution to Harry's life remains ambiguous, and the role of John in her narrative feels unconvincing. Although the film aspires to redefine relationship dramas, it ultimately plays it safe, failing to resonate with an audience grappling with urban isolation, the pressures of dating apps, and societal expectations.
The star-studded cast, while visually appealing, presents a challenge; it's easy to envision three attractive individuals drawn to one another, but harder to believe they face the same struggles as typical relationship seekers.
The film begins with great potential, effectively establishing its characters. Lucy appears to be lost in her sales persona, while Harry embodies the archetype of a wealthy individual who possesses everything yet feels empty. John represents the reckless boyfriend type that many women date during their formative years.
Initially, Materialists maintains the illusion of offering a mature and authentic twist on the classic love story. However, as the script progresses, it lacks the creativity and boldness needed to sustain this premise. A subplot involving a traumatic experience of one of Lucy's clients is superficially addressed, as is John's financial instability.
Following her acclaimed debut with Past Lives (2023), Song excels in crafting dialogues that explore the complexities of relationships. Her ability to write sharp conversations and allow characters to navigate their emotions adds a layer of depth to the film.
Materialists requires and rewards attention as Lucy, Harry, and John navigate their interactions and articulate their desires. However, their conversations often lack depth and can feel trivial.
Unlike Past Lives, this new film avoids theatricality. The captivating cinematography by Shabier Kirchener and the refined editing by Keith Fraase create an intimate atmosphere during the romantic exchanges among the leads. Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans deliver charming performances, gliding through a narrative that opts for conventionality over the complexities of modern love.